SCULPTURAL TABLE
The garden table is one of many that the couple designed and built for the house. It includes an ever-changing centerpiece: A tapered, square stainless steel pedestal rises through the center of a green glass top - supported on hidden stainless steel arms - and contains a water basin for floating blossoms. An uplight and a recirculating pump give the water an alluring shimmer. (For information on purchasing Reed and Madden's work, go to Reed Madden Designs (www.reedmadden.com or 510/384-0804))
ENTRY BORDER
A slender row of Equisetum hyemale (horsetail) creates a low "fence" in the front garden that defines the new entry walk. The upright plant grows in an elongated galvanized metal box set into the ground. "We learned their roots are invasive and travel farther and faster than bamboo," Reed explains. "Besides, they are a bog plant and don't mind having wet feet."
The eclectic garden uses Mexican pebbles as a groundcover and is punctuated with yellow- blooming kangaroo paws and purple-flowered hebes. The path zigs and zags through the garden to show off views.
FIREWOOD BENCH
On the front porch, this cast-concrete bench ― designed and built by Reed ― doubles as a storage bin for wood. The 18- by 18- by 40-inch bench features a top made of white cement that has a grid of square openings. The top notches into legs made of multicolored concrete that has a patina. The floor of the porch is covered in green 12-inch square slate tiles.
SUN SPLASH
A pair of recycled, steel-framed windows make a bright, open corner beside the upstairs deck. Madden and Reed designed and built the cabinets and intersecting bench to highlight the view of San Francisco. The vessel-style sink is sunk partway into the ivory-colored, cast-in-place concrete counter. Fir salvaged from the attic forms the cabinet shell and the bench seat and back. The big splurges were the adjustable-height light fixtures from Germany and the nickel-plated faucet.
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